Obama seeing China leader as South China Sea tensions rise
In this photo taken Nov. 30, 2015, President Barack Obama meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Le Bourget, France. President Barack Obama will be meeting with Asian leaders in Washington this week as fears grow that long-smoldering tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea could flare into conflict. AP
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will meet with Asian leaders in Washington this week as fears grow that tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea risk flaring into conflict.
World leaders, including those from China, Japan and South Korea, will be in town for a summit hosted by Obama on preventing nuclear material from getting into terrorist hands. But other pressing issues will be up for discussion as well.
Obama will meet separately Thursday with China’s President Xi Jinping at a time when frictions between the two world powers over China’s island-building in strategic waters are growing.
Obama will also see leaders of US allies Japan and South Korea, seeking unity as threats from North Korea intensify after its recent nuclear test and rocket launch.
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